'We want generational succession to be part of CAP' - Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he wants the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to include "proposals on farm succession, which is a big issue".
“We want generational succession to be part of the Common Agricultural Policy,” he said.
These remarks were made in Dáil Éireann this week.
The Taoiseach said: “Our concern at the moment is that, as drafted, the seven-year budget is about 20% below what the previous seven-year allocation was.
"We have a lot of work to do on it and we also have to work with other member states to try and get a higher budget for CAP.
“That would include within it proposals on farm succession, which is a big issue.
“It is about certainty and clarity, which is why the derogation was important. Young farmers want certainty. It also the adoption of new technology."
Micheál Martin added: “I suspect it is a lifestyle issue in that people want a life as well.”
The Taoiseach noted that “farming is a 24-7 occupation with a lot of responsibilities”.
“There is a lot of bureaucracy, obligations and pressure. Therefore, we need to create that roadmap for young people showing that there is a future and viability above all else for young farmers," he added.
'Certainty and stability'
Micheál Martin also said: “When it comes Ireland’s priorities for the next CAP, our position is very clear and remains unchanged.
"We want a CAP that gives sufficient certainty and stability for farmers, fishers, and rural communities, allows for policy tools tailored to the Irish agrifood system and provides sufficient funding for farmers and rural communities.
“The proposed CAP structure post-2027 seeks to consolidate existing measures into a single policy framework."
The Taoiseach said the Irish government will be going through the proposals "line by line to work towards our CAP priorities and assess the practicality of the [European] Commission’s proposed approach".
“I also note that the European Parliament has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed merging of CAP elements with other funding structures and streams.”
“Ireland will advocate for maximum flexibility, retention of the full toolbox of measures, ring-fenced funding and a CAP framework that supports competitiveness, sustainability and food security.”
The Taoiseach added that Ireland will play “an influential role during our upcoming [EU] presidency, acting as an honest broker in progressing CAP discussions”.
